Softball
Cross Country Rentals Giants turned on the firepower against Tawa in their Hutt Valley-Wellington combined premier two- and three-men's softball match at South Park, Masterton, on Saturday.
Giants won 14-4 in five innings, after dominating the action in the fielding and batting departments.
It was young pitcher Michael McDermott who set the standard in the field. He consistently made it difficult for the Tawa batters to put bat to ball. Also outstanding was Zac Doney, who took some fine outs at first base.
Spearheading an excellent Giants batting effort were Justin Fricker and Tyree Broughton, who both managed four safe hits.
The Giants under-15s travelled over the hill to play Dodgers and were beaten in a high scoring match 22-14, while the Giants under-13s made a one-horse race of their game with Hutt City United, winning 22-2.
Unfortunately for the Giants President's grade team, however, Saturday was not a good look, with the defending Hutt Valley champions having to default to Wainuiomata Natives because of a shortage of players, something which "completely gutted" club president Alan Clarke.
"I know it's a tough time of the year with so much going on around the place but we pride ourselves on being able to field teams no matter what," Clarke said.
"We only had the seven players available this time, so had no option but to default ... and that hurts."
